If You Prefer A Milder Comedian, Please Ask For One...Comedian Stewart Lee talks about his new stand-up show ahead of a visit to the Liverpool Playhouse

IT not exactly something to boast about, but it was a gig in Liverpool which put Stewart Lee right off stand-up.

“I had a moment on stage at Rawhide where I thought I’ve got to stop doing this and I gave up from about 2001 to 2004,” he reveals.

“A guy in the audience kept shouting at me “talk about illegal immigrants” and I went, why don’t you then?”

Stewart got the mouthy punter on stage to see what would happen, but security were having none of it and brought his experiment to a swift end.

“So I thought I can’t be bothered,” he says. “It was a number of things, but that was one of them and I stopped gigging for three years.”

Luckily the 41-year-old is firmly back in the stand-up groove and is relishing his latest tour of the UK which comes to the Playhouse next week.

The comedian, writer and director has been plying his trade for two decades, starting as a student at Oxford University where he studied English.

His interest in stand-up was fired by the alternative comedians he saw acting as support acts for bands in the early 1980s.

“In the immediate post punk era a lot of gigs were a lot more cabaret,” he explains.

“Billy Bragg was like that, he used to have a country band on and some Japanese performance artists and a comedian. The first comics that I saw, apart from seeing the Two Ronnies as a kid, were opening for bands.

“When I was 15 I saw Ted Chippington open for The Fall at the Powerhouse in Birmingham and I can quite honestly say that was the point at which I thought I’d like to be a stand-up.

“Before then I didn’t think I could do stand-up because I thought you had to be confident and funny and talk about stuff people were interested in.

“But when I saw Ted Chippington I realised you could stand still and talk really quietly and not appear to be interested in the audience and I thought I could probably do that!”

Stewart went on to make his name in the 1990s in a comedy partnership with Richard Herring.

Then there was the acclaimed but controversial Jerry Springer the Musical which he co-wrote and directed, novel The Perfect Fool and, in the last few years, a host of stand-up shows and one-off TV appearances.

A new TV series – Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle – earlier this year brought him firmly back into the public eye.

“It’s really great,” he says, punctuating his explanation with barks of laughter.

“I’ve never had so many offers of gigs and they’re filling up more then they ever have, and also they’re filling up with people that know what they’ve come to.

“Sometimes, particularly at weekends, people come to see some comedy and you’re not necessarily what they want.

“This time, having done the TV show, people know they’re coming to something quite slow, turgid, repetitive, so they don’t feel disappointed!”

He is, of course, being disingenuous.

Expect If You Prefer a Milder Comedian, Please Ask for One to include his views on Richard ‘Hamster’ Hammond, coffeeshop loyalty cards, advertisers hijacking his favourite song and plenty of trademark intelligent irony.

He smiles: “Stand up was my first love, and it is again now having been all around the houses.”

"Stewart Lee- every pseudo-intellectual's favourite comedian! "If you don't find him funny it's because you can't comprehend his comedic style" or "You're just not clever enough" are usually responses to people who consider him unfunny..."

Cabluigi, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:51:44+00:00

Cabluigi, Guardian.co.uk

"Stewart Lee- every pseudo-intellectual's favourite comedian! "If you don't find him funny it's because you can't comprehend his comedic style" or "You're just not clever enough" are usually responses to people who consider him unfunny..."

"He stank. I've never seen a moronic idiot trying to tell jokes in my life. What a fuck. The man could barely stand up never mind tell a decent story. Everyone was laughing at him, and I hated his guts."

Alex Quarmby, Edfringe.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:24+00:00

Alex Quarmby, Edfringe.com

"He stank. I've never seen a moronic idiot trying to tell jokes in my life. What a fuck. The man could barely stand up never mind tell a decent story. Everyone was laughing at him, and I hated his guts."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/alex-quarmby-edfringe-com/

"Stewart Lee is an embarrassment to comedy."

Jackmumf, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:32:39+00:00

Jackmumf, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is an embarrassment to comedy."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/jackmumf-twitter/

"I think describing himself as a comedian is the only funny thing the man has ever said. Don't bother telling me that I don't get it; I don't want it. It's only possible to like right-on, lefty comedians like Stuart Lee if you're a right-on lefty yourself. Like all right-on lefties he feigns contempt of intolerance and ridicules people for the predictably, allegedly right wing intolerances ascribed to stereotypically right wing people. To me, morally or comedically this is no better than Bernard Manning or Jim Davidson both of whom were genuinely funny even if you now think their jokes were racist but neither of them were genuinely bigoted, IMHO of course, like Stewart Lee and his fans. In attempting to send up intolerance by being blatantly intolerant and bigoted, Lee falls flat on his face making any genuinely tolerant, left-of-centre, liberals so horrified that they simply could not laugh. In short, if you're a bigoted, socialist worker, civil servant, teacher, social worker or NHS employee then Stuart Lee is the comedian for you. If you actually care about tolerance for all, even those who have different political opinons from you, he's about as funny as the credit crunch."

Genghis McKahn, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:39:30+00:00

Genghis McKahn, Guardian.co.uk

"I think describing himself as a comedian is the only funny thing the man has ever said. Don't bother telling me that I don't get it; I don't want it. It's only possible to like right-on, lefty comedians like Stuart Lee if you're a right-on lefty yourself. Like all right-on lefties he feigns contempt of intolerance and ridicules people for the predictably, allegedly right wing intolerances ascribed to stereotypically right wing people. To me, morally or comedically this is no better than Bernard Manning or Jim Davidson both of whom were genuinely funny even if you now think their jokes were racist but neither of them were genuinely bigoted, IMHO of course, like Stewart Lee and his fans. In attempting to send up intolerance by being blatantly intolerant and bigoted, Lee falls flat on his face making any genuinely tolerant, left-of-centre, liberals so horrified that they simply could not laugh. In short, if you're a bigoted, socialist worker, civil servant, teacher, social worker or NHS employee then Stuart Lee is the comedian for you. If you actually care about tolerance for all, even those who have different political opinons from you, he's about as funny as the credit crunch."

"The dullness of his jokes is only matched by his bitterness towards other comedians and half the world around him. He seems to spend hours on stage pretending that he 'gets something' nobody else has. I just wish he'd get a sense of humour. Tripe."

Gabrielle, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:36:30+00:00

Gabrielle, Chortle.com

"The dullness of his jokes is only matched by his bitterness towards other comedians and half the world around him. He seems to spend hours on stage pretending that he 'gets something' nobody else has. I just wish he'd get a sense of humour. Tripe."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/gabrielle-chortle-com/

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started."

Gmanthedemon, bbc.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:10:16+00:00

Gmanthedemon, bbc.co.uk

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/gmanthedemon-bbc-co-uk/

"Now that I've wasted an hour listening to the absolute garbage that is Stewart Lee, I'm moving on to a more pleasurable activity. Sleeping."

Ishamayura Byrd, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:20:22+00:00

Ishamayura Byrd, Twitter

"Now that I've wasted an hour listening to the absolute garbage that is Stewart Lee, I'm moving on to a more pleasurable activity. Sleeping."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/ishamayura-byrd-twitter/

"All this man seems to be able to do is dance about going "ah ha ha ha ha ha!' So incredibly unfunny."

Emilyistrendy, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:35:14+00:00

Emilyistrendy, Youtube

"All this man seems to be able to do is dance about going "ah ha ha ha ha ha!' So incredibly unfunny."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/emilyistrendy-youtube/

"A cultural bully from the Oxbridge Mafia who wants to appear morally superior but couldn't cut the mustard on a panel game."

Lee Mack, Mack The Life, 2012

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T16:46:50+00:00

Lee Mack, Mack The Life, 2012

"A cultural bully from the Oxbridge Mafia who wants to appear morally superior but couldn't cut the mustard on a panel game."

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," maybe someone should call the RAC to get it started."

Gwaites, Digitalspy

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:18:43+00:00

Gwaites, Digitalspy

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," maybe someone should call the RAC to get it started."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/gwaites-digitalspy/

"Lee was a good comic. Unfortunately now he comes across as a chaotic drunk."

Foxfoxton, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:17:01+00:00

Foxfoxton, Youtube

"Lee was a good comic. Unfortunately now he comes across as a chaotic drunk."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/foxfoxton-youtube/

"I spent the entire time thinking of how much I want to punch Stewart Lee in the face instead of laughing. He does have an incredibly punchable face, doesn't he? (I could just close my eyes, but fantasizing about punching Stewart Lee is still more fun than sitting in complete, stony silence.) Fucking smug-faced cunt."

Pudabaya, beexcellenttoeachother.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:51+00:00

Pudabaya, beexcellenttoeachother.com

"I spent the entire time thinking of how much I want to punch Stewart Lee in the face instead of laughing. He does have an incredibly punchable face, doesn't he? (I could just close my eyes, but fantasizing about punching Stewart Lee is still more fun than sitting in complete, stony silence.) Fucking smug-faced cunt."

"Stewart Lee has created his own very profitable narrative that Stewart Lee = cool and Anything Else = shit."

John Robins, Comedian

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:07:43+00:00

John Robins, Comedian

"Stewart Lee has created his own very profitable narrative that Stewart Lee = cool and Anything Else = shit."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/john-robins-comedian/

"Russell Brand plays stadiums, Stewart Lee has a tin pot show on BBC that no-one watches."

Borathigh5, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:33:53+00:00

Borathigh5, Youtube

"Russell Brand plays stadiums, Stewart Lee has a tin pot show on BBC that no-one watches."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/borathigh5-youtube/

"Stewart Lee used to one of my favorite funnymen, but I think he's lost it now. I just don't find him funny anymore. He hasn't made me laugh since 1999. I always preferred Richard Herring anyway."

Joskins, Leeds Music Forum

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:48:48+00:00

Joskins, Leeds Music Forum

"Stewart Lee used to one of my favorite funnymen, but I think he's lost it now. I just don't find him funny anymore. He hasn't made me laugh since 1999. I always preferred Richard Herring anyway."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/joskins-leeds-music-forum/

"The boringly infantile Stewart Lee."

Peter Ould, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:09:44+00:00

Peter Ould, Youtube

"The boringly infantile Stewart Lee."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/peter-ould-youtube/

"Genuinely can't stand him, he comes across as the sort that thinks that live comedy should just be kept to smoky art student union clubs and that any comedian that plays in arenas is destroying the so called "artistic integrity" of stand up when we all know stand-up comedy is not an art form it's a form of live entertainment. P.S. Just because your TV show is terrible doesn't mean you have to rip into Russell Howard and 'that Roadshow''."

Someoneyoudon'tknow, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:08+00:00

Someoneyoudon'tknow, Chortle.com

"Genuinely can't stand him, he comes across as the sort that thinks that live comedy should just be kept to smoky art student union clubs and that any comedian that plays in arenas is destroying the so called "artistic integrity" of stand up when we all know stand-up comedy is not an art form it's a form of live entertainment. P.S. Just because your TV show is terrible doesn't mean you have to rip into Russell Howard and 'that Roadshow''."

"He's a c*nt, people lap it up like they do Charlie Brooker yet both are prejudiced middle class tosspots. Brooker is a weetabix haired trendy tosspiece trying to cling on to anything remotely cool these days and Stewart Lee is a hypocrite."

Lents, redandwhitekop.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:53:19+00:00

Lents, redandwhitekop.com

"He's a c*nt, people lap it up like they do Charlie Brooker yet both are prejudiced middle class tosspots. Brooker is a weetabix haired trendy tosspiece trying to cling on to anything remotely cool these days and Stewart Lee is a hypocrite."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/lents-redandwhitekop-com/

"I had to walk out of Stewart Lee's gig tonight when my wife started projectile vomiting!"

Cyberbloke, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:36:16+00:00

Cyberbloke, Twitter

"I had to walk out of Stewart Lee's gig tonight when my wife started projectile vomiting!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/cyberbloke-twitter/

"Stewart Lee is a cynical man, who has been able to build an entire carrer out of his own smugness. I hope the fucking chrones disease kills him."

Maninabananasuit, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:22:25+00:00

Maninabananasuit, Guardian.co.uk

"Stewart Lee is a cynical man, who has been able to build an entire carrer out of his own smugness. I hope the fucking chrones disease kills him."

"He's another of those smug incompetents who are said by the 'in-crowd' to be cool. He appears to have serious life issues and he seems to think that foisting his emotional turmoil onto audiences is somehow 'art'. Bollocks."

Dahoum, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:43:21+00:00

Dahoum, Guardian.co.uk

"He's another of those smug incompetents who are said by the 'in-crowd' to be cool. He appears to have serious life issues and he seems to think that foisting his emotional turmoil onto audiences is somehow 'art'. Bollocks."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/dahoum-guardian-co-uk/

"Absolutely the saddest so called comedian I have ever heard. Trash is the only word I can think of this person. Disgusting!!!"

Carla, St Albans, Dailymail.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:52:44+00:00

Carla, St Albans, Dailymail.co.uk

"Absolutely the saddest so called comedian I have ever heard. Trash is the only word I can think of this person. Disgusting!!!"

"Stewart Lee is not funny. He comes from the smug - if you don't laugh at my material then you aren't smart enough - school of comedy. No Stewart, if we don't laugh at your material then it's just not good enough."

Patrick Kavanagh, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:42:09+01:00

Patrick Kavanagh, Guardian.co.uk

"Stewart Lee is not funny. He comes from the smug - if you don't laugh at my material then you aren't smart enough - school of comedy. No Stewart, if we don't laugh at your material then it's just not good enough."

"Lee seems to think he's more clever than he really is. His material is delivered in a "If you don't find this funny, you can't be very intelligent" manner, which is an attitude perpetuated by the pseudo-intellectual Guardian reading arsebiscuits who like him."

Johnny Kitkat, dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:36:45+00:00

Johnny Kitkat, dontstartmeoff.com

"Lee seems to think he's more clever than he really is. His material is delivered in a "If you don't find this funny, you can't be very intelligent" manner, which is an attitude perpetuated by the pseudo-intellectual Guardian reading arsebiscuits who like him."

"Great, the next big thing has materialised. Surprisingly for the Guardian, they are recommending a man who hates the Top Gear presenters and co wrote a hit show that offended Christians. This is like being 15 and reading the NME."

Nicetime, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:33+00:00

Nicetime, Guardian.co.uk

"Great, the next big thing has materialised. Surprisingly for the Guardian, they are recommending a man who hates the Top Gear presenters and co wrote a hit show that offended Christians. This is like being 15 and reading the NME."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/nicetime-guardian-co-uk/

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started. Or push it down hill. Stewart Lee should have 'cunt' stamped onto his forehead with a branding iron."'

Coxy, Dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:40:30+00:00

Coxy, Dontstartmeoff.com

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started. Or push it down hill. Stewart Lee should have 'cunt' stamped onto his forehead with a branding iron."'

"Stewart Lee is like that uni lecturer who thinks he's unbelievably cool but is really the tit the students all laugh at."

Lenny Darksphere, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:32:59+00:00

Lenny Darksphere, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is like that uni lecturer who thinks he's unbelievably cool but is really the tit the students all laugh at."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/lenny-darksphere-twitter/

"It is a bit like listening to a sixth form NUS president who was brought up an only child by his sycophantic grandparents."

Deepbass, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:33:13+00:00

Deepbass, Guardian.co.uk

"It is a bit like listening to a sixth form NUS president who was brought up an only child by his sycophantic grandparents."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/deepbass-guardian-co-uk/

"Big surprise, guardianistas love comic who went to a posh school and oxbridge. Dave Chappelle's could show him how it's done."

Neolab, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:41:07+01:00

Neolab, Guardian.co.uk

"Big surprise, guardianistas love comic who went to a posh school and oxbridge. Dave Chappelle's could show him how it's done."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/neolab-guardian-co-uk/

"His whole tone is one of complete, smug condescension."

Birmingham Sunday Mercury

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:38:58+01:00

Birmingham Sunday Mercury

"His whole tone is one of complete, smug condescension."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/birmingham-sunday-mercury/

"Watching Stewart Lee in action these days is like standing on the edge of a frozen lake and seeing a man half-submerged in the perishing ice. You throw him a rope - but he hurls it back. You didn't throw it correctly, he advises. And anyway, he was fine as he was, until you ruined it all. Didn't you know that sub-zero was his natural habitat?"

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:40:41+00:00

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph

"Watching Stewart Lee in action these days is like standing on the edge of a frozen lake and seeing a man half-submerged in the perishing ice. You throw him a rope - but he hurls it back. You didn't throw it correctly, he advises. And anyway, he was fine as he was, until you ruined it all. Didn't you know that sub-zero was his natural habitat?"

"I don't get the point of this thing with Johnny vegas and lee, it's neither funny nor informative. It's like watching 2 heavily drunk people having a conversation at a bus stop."

Sidsings000, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:04:42+00:00

Sidsings000, Youtube

"I don't get the point of this thing with Johnny vegas and lee, it's neither funny nor informative. It's like watching 2 heavily drunk people having a conversation at a bus stop."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/sidsings000-youtube/

"Not one joke delivered. Absolutely the worst comedian I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. Don't waste your money or time. Only comedian that I have ever thought of walking out on."

Dave Wilson, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:39+00:00

Dave Wilson, Chortle.com

"Not one joke delivered. Absolutely the worst comedian I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. Don't waste your money or time. Only comedian that I have ever thought of walking out on."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/dave-wilson-chortle-com/

"Stewart Lee spends so much effort wittering about comedy, why doesn't he ever do any of it?"

Joe, Independent.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:41:49+01:00

Joe, Independent.co.uk

"Stewart Lee spends so much effort wittering about comedy, why doesn't he ever do any of it?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/joe-independent-co-uk/

"Only a Sun reader could mistake this dross for intelligent comedy. Probably laughs at farting noises too. Here's to hoping this particular vehicle runs off the road. Under a train."

NevW47479, UKTV.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:32:03+00:00

NevW47479, UKTV.co.uk

"Only a Sun reader could mistake this dross for intelligent comedy. Probably laughs at farting noises too. Here's to hoping this particular vehicle runs off the road. Under a train."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/nevw47479-uktv-co-uk/

"Without warning I was drawn from watching the ?excelllent Jeremy Paxman to a loathsome comedian gratuitously using the "c" word. I found this extremely unacceptable, as did my recently widowed mother."

Anon, BBC Complaints Log

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:35:16+00:00

Anon, BBC Complaints Log

"Without warning I was drawn from watching the ?excelllent Jeremy Paxman to a loathsome comedian gratuitously using the "c" word. I found this extremely unacceptable, as did my recently widowed mother."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/anon-bbc-complaints-log/

"Lee is supposed to be a ground-breaking comedian and writer, but I found little entertainment value in his material.? It was not funny. It was a sad and deliberate attempt to see how far he could go. This was ultimate sick humour, and if anyone thought it funny, they must be sick as well."

Brighton Argus

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:41:14+00:00

Brighton Argus

"Lee is supposed to be a ground-breaking comedian and writer, but I found little entertainment value in his material.? It was not funny. It was a sad and deliberate attempt to see how far he could go. This was ultimate sick humour, and if anyone thought it funny, they must be sick as well."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/brighton-argus/

"I hate Stewart Lee with a passion. He's like Ian Huntley to me."

Wharto15, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:06:36+00:00

Wharto15, Twitter

"I hate Stewart Lee with a passion. He's like Ian Huntley to me."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/wharto15-twitter/

"I tried to watch Stewart Lee but had to stop due to him being shit. He addressed an insular cadre of socially challenged, prematurely middle-aged, pseudo-intellectual men, I thought."

Z-factor, Twitter.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:07:26+00:00

Z-factor, Twitter.

"I tried to watch Stewart Lee but had to stop due to him being shit. He addressed an insular cadre of socially challenged, prematurely middle-aged, pseudo-intellectual men, I thought."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/z-factor-twitter/

"I hate that Stewart Lee fella, totally unfunny and as much charisma as Pol Pot!!"

Fowkes81, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:24:45+00:00

Fowkes81, Twitter

"I hate that Stewart Lee fella, totally unfunny and as much charisma as Pol Pot!!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fowkes81-twitter/

"No part of this routine was funny enough to even bother delivering it. I'm not offended, more bemused by his total lack of talent and why the audience are laughing at his dull and obvious "jokes"."

Whoiscuriousgeorge, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:40:56+00:00

Whoiscuriousgeorge, Youtube

"No part of this routine was funny enough to even bother delivering it. I'm not offended, more bemused by his total lack of talent and why the audience are laughing at his dull and obvious "jokes"."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/whoiscuriousgeorge-youtube/

"Liberals like this guy would just love to live in totalitarian state where only their views could be expressed and opposition views crushed. They are childish hypocrites. They should stop reading the guardian and get in the real world."

12dgdgdgdgdgdg, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:22:20+00:00

12dgdgdgdgdgdg, Youtube

"Liberals like this guy would just love to live in totalitarian state where only their views could be expressed and opposition views crushed. They are childish hypocrites. They should stop reading the guardian and get in the real world."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/12dgdgdgdgdgdg-youtube/

"I have more light and shade and humanity than Stewart Lee."

Richard Herring, Comedian

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:18:05+00:00

Richard Herring, Comedian

"I have more light and shade and humanity than Stewart Lee."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/richard-herring-comedian/

"Stewart lee just says something. Explains why you should laugh. Then accuses you of not having a sense of humour. The cunt."

World Without End, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:43:04+00:00

World Without End, Twitter

"Stewart lee just says something. Explains why you should laugh. Then accuses you of not having a sense of humour. The cunt."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/world-without-end-twitter/

"Stewart Lee is boring."

Tin Frog, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:06+00:00

Tin Frog, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is boring."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/tin-frog-twitter/

"Just seen a very haggard looking Stewart Lee near Carnaby St. He was carrying laundry."

98rosjon, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:54+00:00

98rosjon, Twitter

"Just seen a very haggard looking Stewart Lee near Carnaby St. He was carrying laundry."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/98rosjon-twitter/

"Intellectual pretensions aside for a moment Stewart Lee is a bit of a knob sometimes., isn't he?"

Contrapuntal, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:52:03+00:00

Contrapuntal, Twitter

"Intellectual pretensions aside for a moment Stewart Lee is a bit of a knob sometimes., isn't he?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/contrapuntal-twitter/

"Stewart Lee is a twat. That is all."

Fairy Pingu, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:23:16+00:00

Fairy Pingu, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is a twat. That is all."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fairy-pingu-twitter/

"I hate Stewart Lee he is a prick. Clarkson's views are all spot on. Top gear is class and laughing at gipos and the Mexicans is hilarious."

Sam Rooney, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:48:37+00:00

Sam Rooney, Youtube

"I hate Stewart Lee he is a prick. Clarkson's views are all spot on. Top gear is class and laughing at gipos and the Mexicans is hilarious."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/sam-rooney-youtube/

"Alleged comedian Stewart Lee is cheap and mean spirited."

Iain, eatenbymissionaries

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:24:03+00:00

Iain, eatenbymissionaries

"Alleged comedian Stewart Lee is cheap and mean spirited."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/iain-eatenbymissionaries/

"This guy is a douche bag who probably drank to much before going on stage to prove what a complete and utter asshole he is."

GRTak, finalgear.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:52:17+00:00

GRTak, finalgear.com

"This guy is a douche bag who probably drank to much before going on stage to prove what a complete and utter asshole he is."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/grtak-finalgear-com/

"Stewart Lee is a pedantic, overrated, mundane little shit of a comedian. And yes, I do 'get' him, it's just ... wank."

Meanstreetelite, Peoplesrepublicofcork

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:05:13+00:00

Meanstreetelite, Peoplesrepublicofcork

"Stewart Lee is a pedantic, overrated, mundane little shit of a comedian. And yes, I do 'get' him, it's just ... wank."

"He talks only about commonplace things, with a really slow pace. He made me smile. That's it! A disappointment."

Etienne, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:39:17+01:00

Etienne, Chortle.com

"He talks only about commonplace things, with a really slow pace. He made me smile. That's it! A disappointment."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/etienne-chortle-com/

"I continue to watch out of amazement at how unfunny this man is... he has made me snigger but once when talking about getting your willy stuck in a zipper. Anyone could get a laugh with that! It amazes me how he likes to repeat the same thing several times, likes to repeat things several times, repeat things several times, several times, times."

Stuart, Chortle

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:28:14+00:00

Stuart, Chortle

"I continue to watch out of amazement at how unfunny this man is... he has made me snigger but once when talking about getting your willy stuck in a zipper. Anyone could get a laugh with that! It amazes me how he likes to repeat the same thing several times, likes to repeat things several times, repeat things several times, several times, times."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/stuart-chortle/

"This has to be the most unfunny stand up I've ever seen. I've not laughed, smirked or grinned once at Lee's quips. What an absolute waste of time. 0/10."

Alwyn, Digiguide.tv

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:05:28+00:00

Alwyn, Digiguide.tv

"This has to be the most unfunny stand up I've ever seen. I've not laughed, smirked or grinned once at Lee's quips. What an absolute waste of time. 0/10."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/alwyn-digiguide-tv/

"I hate comedy that presumes to 'defend' minorities like me. Sod off, you don't know what offends me, so you can't protect me from it. But most of the things you think offend me don't."

Sweeping Curves, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:48:26+00:00

Sweeping Curves, Twitter

"I hate comedy that presumes to 'defend' minorities like me. Sod off, you don't know what offends me, so you can't protect me from it. But most of the things you think offend me don't."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/sweeping-curves-twitter/

"I really cannot *bear* the bumptious prick that is Stewart Lee. And anyone who sees Stewart Lee for the pompous self important tit that he is, is a friend of mine. The greatest trick Stewart Lee ever pulled was convincing the world he's funny and not just a ridiculously supercilious prat who just repeats himself. Stewart Lee you are a prize cock. At least get your facts straight before you launch into your pious Guardian wank fodder."

Lucinda Locketts, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:33:32+00:00

Lucinda Locketts, Twitter

"I really cannot *bear* the bumptious prick that is Stewart Lee. And anyone who sees Stewart Lee for the pompous self important tit that he is, is a friend of mine. The greatest trick Stewart Lee ever pulled was convincing the world he's funny and not just a ridiculously supercilious prat who just repeats himself. Stewart Lee you are a prize cock. At least get your facts straight before you launch into your pious Guardian wank fodder."

"Stewart Lee's comedy is designed to be 'appreciated' but not actually 'laughed' at or 'enjoyed'. Here's a fun game you can play while watching Stewart Lee: With a pen and paper, jot down how often you actually laugh. You may be surpsied!"

Dick Socrates, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:54+00:00

Dick Socrates, Twitter

"Stewart Lee's comedy is designed to be 'appreciated' but not actually 'laughed' at or 'enjoyed'. Here's a fun game you can play while watching Stewart Lee: With a pen and paper, jot down how often you actually laugh. You may be surpsied!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/dick-socrates-twitter/

"Stewart Lee's just as smug as Clarkson and co in my opinion. Has a very punchable tone of voice."

Aiden Hearn, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:38:02+01:00

Aiden Hearn, Twitter

"Stewart Lee's just as smug as Clarkson and co in my opinion. Has a very punchable tone of voice."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/aiden-hearn-twitter/

"Hands up if you think that Stewart Lee is the worst 'comedian' ever. My hand is firmly in the air!"

Leach Juice, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:38:27+01:00

Leach Juice, Twitter

"Hands up if you think that Stewart Lee is the worst 'comedian' ever. My hand is firmly in the air!"

"Stewart Lee is a pompous, condescending bore, and he isn't remotely funny. He claims to have read the entire works of William Blake - he obviously completely missed one of the great themes of Blake: a love and respect for all humanity. If smugness could be harnessed as a form of energy this man could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

Danazawa, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:22:43+00:00

Danazawa, Youtube

"Stewart Lee is a pompous, condescending bore, and he isn't remotely funny. He claims to have read the entire works of William Blake - he obviously completely missed one of the great themes of Blake: a love and respect for all humanity. If smugness could be harnessed as a form of energy this man could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/danazawa-youtube/

"I was Stage Manager for Stewart Lee. It wasn't performance art, stand up comedy or satire. It was a fucking train-wreck. That man could not read an audience 3 feet away.﻿ And yes, I got to know his act well during the rehearsals and Tech rehearsal. I also got to know the fact that the man is a functioning alcoholic, finishing nearly 12 cans to himself before going onstage, and that he is banned from the entire chain of theatres I used to work at for being rude, dismissive of staff and responding terribly to bad audience feedback. I don't hate this man in the slightest, I pity him. Where he tries to wear the "never hitting mainstream" as a cloak (Even naming a tour after it) the cracks appear when you're one on one with him. He is angry, and I don't think he know who he's angry at.﻿"

Funday’schild, youtube.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:35:41+00:00

Funday’schild, youtube.

"I was Stage Manager for Stewart Lee. It wasn't performance art, stand up comedy or satire. It was a fucking train-wreck. That man could not read an audience 3 feet away.﻿ And yes, I got to know his act well during the rehearsals and Tech rehearsal. I also got to know the fact that the man is a functioning alcoholic, finishing nearly 12 cans to himself before going onstage, and that he is banned from the entire chain of theatres I used to work at for being rude, dismissive of staff and responding terribly to bad audience feedback. I don't hate this man in the slightest, I pity him. Where he tries to wear the "never hitting mainstream" as a cloak (Even naming a tour after it) the cracks appear when you're one on one with him. He is angry, and I don't think he know who he's angry at.﻿"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fundayschild-youtube/

"Comedy vehicle? more of a comedy 'right off!'"

Guest, Dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:10:00+00:00

Guest, Dontstartmeoff.com

"Comedy vehicle? more of a comedy 'right off!'"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/guest-dontstartmeoff-com/

"Self consciousness in comedy doesn't make it better, or more intelligent. It makes it much worse. Give me Michael McIntyre any day."

Shit Crit, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:50:03+00:00

Shit Crit, Twitter

"Self consciousness in comedy doesn't make it better, or more intelligent. It makes it much worse. Give me Michael McIntyre any day."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/shit-crit-twitter/

"I must protest most feverently at the prospect of further wanton waste of the licence fee on this pile of wank."

Aaron, comedy.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:04:56+00:00

Aaron, comedy.co.uk

"I must protest most feverently at the prospect of further wanton waste of the licence fee on this pile of wank."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/aaron-comedy-co-uk/

"Why does anyone sully the name of comedians by so very incorrectly applying the term to Stewart Lee."

Microcuts 22, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:19+00:00

Microcuts 22, Twitter

"Why does anyone sully the name of comedians by so very incorrectly applying the term to Stewart Lee."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/microcuts-22-twitter/

"I used to think stewart lee was quite good, then i spoke to him at edinburgh festival. Arse doesn't cover it. Ah well."

Bobby Bhoy, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:17:55+00:00

Bobby Bhoy, Twitter

"I used to think stewart lee was quite good, then i spoke to him at edinburgh festival. Arse doesn't cover it. Ah well."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/bobby-bhoy-twitter/

"Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle seems to be driving itself up his backside."

Jamespearse, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:19:59+00:00

Jamespearse, Twitter

"Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle seems to be driving itself up his backside."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/jamespearse-twitter/

"Is there anyone more condescending, self-satisfied and up their own arse than Stewart Lee?"

Liam Travitt, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:42:24+00:00

Liam Travitt, Twitter

"Is there anyone more condescending, self-satisfied and up their own arse than Stewart Lee?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/liam-travitt-twitter/

"See that stupid look on his face....you just know he would have that exact same facial expression if he was getting the kicking of his life. He's a total dick cheesecake."

Neva2busy, dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:17:22+00:00

Neva2busy, dontstartmeoff.com

"See that stupid look on his face....you just know he would have that exact same facial expression if he was getting the kicking of his life. He's a total dick cheesecake."

"After careful deliberation, I can now say I have finally gone off Stewart Lee. Give it two years and so will you."

Tweeterkiryakou, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:21+00:00

Tweeterkiryakou, Twitter

"After careful deliberation, I can now say I have finally gone off Stewart Lee. Give it two years and so will you."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/tweeterkiryakou-twitter/

"The concept that Stewart Lee is funny is tenuous at best."

Meninblack, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:25+00:00

Meninblack, Twitter

"The concept that Stewart Lee is funny is tenuous at best."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/meninblack-twitter/

"Stewart Lee has lost his glasses somewhere in stoke newington. Have you seen them? Please ReTweet."

Stokeylitfest, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:40+00:00

Stokeylitfest, Twitter

"Stewart Lee has lost his glasses somewhere in stoke newington. Have you seen them? Please ReTweet."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/stokeylitfest-twitter/

"A mollycoddled uber-middleclass mummysboy without a funny bone in his body. Verbal diahorria for stuffed shirts without a sense of humour."

Pnethor, pne-online.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:01+00:00

Pnethor, pne-online.com

"A mollycoddled uber-middleclass mummysboy without a funny bone in his body. Verbal diahorria for stuffed shirts without a sense of humour."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/pnethor-pne-online-com/

"The ludicrously coiffered fat-of-face fuck"

Mini-x2, readytogo.net

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:24:31+00:00

Mini-x2, readytogo.net

"The ludicrously coiffered fat-of-face fuck"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/mini-x2-readytogo-net/

"The Krankies are funnier than this waste of air. So unfunny it's laughable."

Visualiser1, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:23:33+00:00

Visualiser1, Twitter

"The Krankies are funnier than this waste of air. So unfunny it's laughable."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/visualiser1-twitter/

"I'd never punch Stewart Lee in the face. His smugness would wrap itself round my fist and slowly consume it, infecting me in the process. Stewart Lee once told a joke that I found desperately unfunny. Then he done a poo on stage. Stewart Lee once used my cheesegrater to remove smegma from his Willy. Then he made me cheese-on-toast without cleaning it."

Pudabaya, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:11+00:00

Pudabaya, Twitter

"I'd never punch Stewart Lee in the face. His smugness would wrap itself round my fist and slowly consume it, infecting me in the process. Stewart Lee once told a joke that I found desperately unfunny. Then he done a poo on stage. Stewart Lee once used my cheesegrater to remove smegma from his Willy. Then he made me cheese-on-toast without cleaning it."

"Christ what a monotoned smug nobhead, don't you people get tired of his student aimed so called humour, god he's crap."

Anamatronix, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:39+00:00

Anamatronix, Youtube

"Christ what a monotoned smug nobhead, don't you people get tired of his student aimed so called humour, god he's crap."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/anamatronix-youtube/

"Stewart Lee is on. I forgot how funny & clever he thinks he is & how stupid everyone else is in his eyes. Wanker."

Zombie Hamster, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:09+00:00

Zombie Hamster, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is on. I forgot how funny & clever he thinks he is & how stupid everyone else is in his eyes. Wanker."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/zombie-hamster-twitter/

"Lee is not just unfunny but tiresome, his non-joke act isn't even original! He just rips off Ted Chippington. Ooooh look at me! I'm Stewart Lee! I'm deconstructing the form!! Come back Richard Herring!! Please!"

General Lurko 36, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:24+00:00

General Lurko 36, Guardian.co.uk

"Lee is not just unfunny but tiresome, his non-joke act isn't even original! He just rips off Ted Chippington. Ooooh look at me! I'm Stewart Lee! I'm deconstructing the form!! Come back Richard Herring!! Please!"

"An abysmal 'comedian'. He's unable to pick up Brownie points for being funny and so instead flaunts his politically correct views to try to get audiences' and critics' sympathy. While this works to keep him a cult following of der brains who enjoy playing the game of 'I'm holier than thou', it's the reason while he'll never be mainstream (you have to be funny to do that) and why critics who like him always have to apologise for his contributions to high profile charity gigs in venues when the punters don't laugh. Garbage."

Chez, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:35:41+00:00

Chez, Chortle.com

"An abysmal 'comedian'. He's unable to pick up Brownie points for being funny and so instead flaunts his politically correct views to try to get audiences' and critics' sympathy. While this works to keep him a cult following of der brains who enjoy playing the game of 'I'm holier than thou', it's the reason while he'll never be mainstream (you have to be funny to do that) and why critics who like him always have to apologise for his contributions to high profile charity gigs in venues when the punters don't laugh. Garbage."